I have an opportunity to visit Washington DC in a few months and I'm looking for some advice from "the voice of experience". There are, of course, may NARA records online and many more available on microfilm via interlibrary loan. Considering what is available by other means, how would I maximize my time at NARA or is it worth my time at all? If the records have not been copied on microfilm, would I even be able to find records in a couple of days on site? I have no frame of reference so any input or advice or just personal experiences would be valuable.

I am particularly interested in Confederate records related to the Indian Territory and, in general, any records related to Indian Territory. My current focus is on the Chickasaw Cavalry Battalion but anything I found, that is not readily available elsewhere, would be very valuable (exciting!).

Where and/or how would I find records that are not on Fold3, available on microfilm, etc. in the miles of records at NARA?

Any comments, insights, and advice are welcome!

Ken